Coity Castle

This is another of South Wales’s impressive Norman Castles, standing in ruins near the town of Bridgend in South Wales, not far from Cardiff.
It was built by Sir Payn «the Demon» de Turberville, one of the legendary Twelve Knights of Glamorgan who are supposed to have conquered the area under the leadership of Robert FitzHamon, Lord of Gloucester.
Although it was originally built soon after 1100, a lot of the castle actually dates from the fourteenth century and later. Parts of it were rebuilt following the siege by Owain Glyn Dr in 1404-​05. Despite being in ruins, there are still plenty of interesting features to see — including the remains of the central octagonal pillar for the vaults of the castle.
If you have OS map 170 the reference is SS 923 815. Nearby you can also visit Newcastle and Ogmore Castles in a day trip.

Coity Castle is a magical place full of distant battle cries and that incredible sense that important things have happened there. Built in 1100 and then rebuilt after a siege by Owain Glyndwr, this is a castle often overlooked by visitors to Wales, despite its extremely important part in Welsh history.
Although other castles, such as Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch, are more visited, I would argue that it’s the lesser known relics which are more interesting. This Medieval castle is built up on a hill, with clear evidence of moats, and looks almost like a half-​rotten tooth sticking up into the sky. It has just as much grandeur and fairy-​tale quality as a person could ask for in a castle.
This historic site is well worth a visit; sunset will reward you will specular photographs and views.